Head of GSA contracting division takes leave

Jul. 27, 2012 - 06:28PM
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Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Steven Kempf told his staff in an email he is taking a 60-day medical leave starting Monday. (GSA)

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The head of the General Services Administration’s contracting division is stepping down amid a recent scandal.

Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Steven Kempf told his staff in an email he is taking a 60-day medical leave starting Monday.

“I truly do not want to be leaving you at this important time. However, this is necessary if I am going to continue serving our country to the best of my ability in the future,” he said.

The move comes shortly after news broke that FAS held a one-day performance awards ceremony in 2010 that cost the agency $268,732. Acting GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini referred the event to his agency’s inspector general’s office for further investigation.

“We expect there will be a congressional hearing to discuss these and other GSA topics and we will provide you with our testimony when it is finalized,” Kempf told his staff in a July 27 email.

Mary Davie, assistant commissioner of the FAS Office of Integrated Technology Services, will serve as acting commissioner of FAS.

Spending on the Nov. 17, 2010, performance awards event included $20,578 for 4,000 drum sticks for a drum-playing exercise, $28,364 for 4,000 picture frames that included digital displays telling the time and temperature, and $7,697 for a reception that included a guitarist and violinist.

FAS manages the $38 billion Federal Supply Schedules program and other large contract programs.